Female Enrollment Increases at the College of Industrial Technology
Gender and Development ServicesVirac, Catanduanes - The College
of Industrial Technology (CIT), a historically male-dominated unit at
Catanduanes State University (CatSU), has experienced a striking upward
trajectory in female enrollment over the past six academic years.
The figures, spanning from the AY
2017-2018 to 2022-2023, reveal a compelling story of expanding gender
diversity. As far back as the AY 2017-2018, male students held a significant
majority at 77.01% in CIT, with 536 male students compared to a mere 160 female
students. However, over the subsequent years, the gender gap has consistently
narrowed. Female enrollment increased to 24.21% in AY 2018-2019, rose further
to 29.09% in AY 2019-2020, and reached an impressive 35.80% in AY 2020-2021.
Although it slightly dipped to 30.96% in AY 2021-2022, the most recent school
year recorded a female enrollment of 29.20%
The turning point came in AY
2020-2021 when female enrollment surpassed 35%, totaling 397, while male
enrollment stood at 712. This pivotal moment showcases the growing interest and
confidence of young women in pursuing education in fields that were once
perceived as predominantly male-centric.
The upsurge in female enrollment
can be attributed to several factors, including the University’s efforts to
foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, irrespective
of gender. Additionally, a rising awareness of gender equality in the province,
along with the dismantling of traditional barriers in workplaces, has
encouraged more women to express interest in fields that were historically
male dominated.
Dean Dr. Edwin T. Romero
expressed delight at the changing demographics within the college, stating,
“It’s wonderful to witness this positive shift in enrollment. We are committed
to nurturing talent and providing equal opportunities for all our students.
Seeing young women pursuing ladderized degrees in electronics, drafting, mechanical,
and automotive technologies, as well as BS in Architecture, is not only a sign
of progress but also an indicator of the bright future ahead.”
As CIT continues to display
improving gender diversity and inclusivity, “We hope to positively impact the
campus culture. For instance, women are known to be detail-oriented, and I hope
our male students can see the value in that. Likewise, our female students
should not be afraid to embrace hands-on experiences to earn a living,”
commented Gender and Development Focal Person Melinda Abichuela, emphasizing
the importance of sharing skills between genders.
CatSU President Patrick Alain T.
Azanza is positive that this trend will continue and highlights the need for
gender-responsive facilities. “The substantial increase in female enrollment in
traditionally male-dominated colleges and vice versa expands opportunities for
everyone. We are happy with this development, as it signifies equal
representation of genders, empowerment of marginalized sectors, and the
involvement of diverse ideas. In response to this emerging trend, we must
prepare our facilities, such as providing more laboratories and automated
machines that cater to the differences in physical characteristics of genders.”
CatSU administration remains firmly committed to achieving gender equality, extending efforts to address gender gaps in other colleges like Engineering, Education, and Health Sciences.
This remarkable surge in female enrollment at CIT reflects a positive shift towards greater gender equality in academia. As the University continues its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, the hope is for this trend to spread across other disciplines, driving the transformation towards a more equitable and diverse academic landscape.
Ms. Reashiela L. Khan
GMMS Focal Person
